Vitamins, Diet and Sports Nutrition

 LOS ANGELES — Walgreens and NBC’s hit weight-loss competition series "The Biggest Loser" on Wednesday joined forces to launch a new web series that follows former contestant Filipe Fa's journey to lose weight and keep it off once and for all.

“The Biggest Loser is changing how American’s view health and wellness, and together we are highlighting Walgreens 'Way to Well Commitment’ by sharing Felipe and Sione's dramatic stories,” stated Megan McCambridge, divisional VP customer relationship marketing for Walgreens.

WASHINGTON — Three Democratic lawmakers on Wednesday released a report that found inconsistencies in the labeling and classification of energy drinks, extensive marketing to adolescents and young adults through social media and events, and high caffeine levels that exceed what is considered safe in soda by the Food and Drug Administration. The report was compiled using responses from 14 energy drink companies received by Rep. Ed Markey, D-Mass., and Sens. Richard Durbin, D-Ill., and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., from their investigation into the industry.

WATSONVILLE, Calif. — Nordic Naturals on Tuesday launched Nordic CoQ10 Ubiquinol, formulated with 100 mg of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ-10) ubiquinol in a soft gel delivery format. Shown to support cardiovascular health and the transformation of food into energy, ubiquinol is the active antioxidant form of CoQ-10, a fat-soluble molecule found in nearly every cell, tissue, and organ in the body, the supplier stated.

NEW YORK — The developer of an amino acid compound is issuing a new license for the product.

CROMWELL, Conn. — i-Health on Monday released an adult-strength chewable version of their probiotic brand — Culturelle Digestive Health Probiotic Chewables. According to i-Health, the new tablet allows easier daily probiotic consumption for the large number of adults who experience difficulty swallowing pills.

WASHINGTON — The Council for Responsible Nutrition on Monday named six new members, including Aurora Algae, Nature’s Sources, Reckitt Benckiser, Sirio Pharma, Watson and international member JJ Health.    

British conglomerate Reckitt Benckiser recently acquired Schiff Nutrition, marking the entry of a new major CPG player into the dietary supplement space. Reckitt Benckiser now markets several supplement brands including Digestive Advantage, MegaRed and Schiff Move Free. 

WASHINGTON — The Council for Responsible Nutrition last week issued recommended guidelines for caffeine-containing dietary supplement products, expanding its self-regulatory initiatives that encourage best practices within the supplement industry. 

PITTSBURGH — GNC last week launched a nationwide campaign for customers to enter their own personal health-and-wellness success stories in the "Me on GNC" photo and video contest. The competition offers $100,000 in prizes for the best photo and video submissions, with the help of the GNC online community.